President Obama Nominates Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court

Statement from the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health

Yesterday, President Barack Obama announced the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed, Kagan would become the third woman to sit on the nine-person court, making it the most representation by women in the history of the court. Solicitor General Kagan would fill the seat of retiring Justice John Paul Stevens, a long-time supporter of civil and reproductive rights.

The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH) applauds President Obama for his decision to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. Kagan is a well-qualified nominee with extensive legal experience, who has long been known for challenging traditional stereotypes. A former Harvard Law School Dean, she currently is the first woman to hold the position of Solicitor General.

We expect the confirmation process to take place over the coming months. During that time, NLIRH will be reviewing previous statements by the nominee and listening closely to Kagan’s responses during the confirmation hearings on a number of critical issues for the Latina community, including her positions on Roe v. Wade, affirmative action, immigration, gender justice, LGBTQ equality, and civil rights.

NLIRH will continue to post updates on what we learn about the nominee’s experiences and her positions on women’s health and rights during the confirmation process.